The new blog, also has a new look! I believe the blogger system will make it easier to post and archive messages in the future. (But, just in case, all messages posted to date, will remain here on tripod.)

If you ever have the opportunity to drive through the White Mountains of N.H., on a clear winter's morning when the sun is just rising on the eastern horizon, you will certainly find the fleeting views of the rugged snow-capped slopes an awesome sight. Tinged in pinks, and purples, the soaring ridge lines peek above the trees, illuminated against the brightening blue sky. It's a sight that can only be described as breath-taking.

On Feb. 28th, I was fortunate enough to have seen these amazing views while traveling south on Rte 3, to meet fourteen other NHPleinair artists at the Museum of NH History. While gazing at the majestic mountains in all of their grandeur, I couldn't help but feel exhilarated and excited about the trip that still lay ahead....a journey back into an artist's world, as it was in the nineteenth century.

"Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains 1850-1900", is a collection of thirty-seven paintings by thirty-two artists, who lived in or traveled to the White Mountains during the later part of the nineteenth century. The exhibit is currently on display at the Museum of NH History, and was co-curated by Roger E. Belson, and John J. Henderson. The exhibit includes work by some well-known artists like Benjamin Champney, Thomas Hill, and Jasper Francis Cropsey, as well as several lesser-known artists such as Erdix Tenney Wilson, a photographer and painter who lived in Lancaster, NH.

Roger met our little group of plein-air artists in the lobby, and proceeded to expertly guide us through the exhibition, from one amazing painting to another. In pointing out particular styles, or specific subject matter the artists were known to have included in their paintings, Roger personally introduced us to each of the artists, and drew us back into their creative world.....one that existed between 100 and 150 years ago.

It was a time when people traveled for several days, by train, by stage coach, and by horse back, to reach the grande hotels, and explore the summits of the White Mountains. A time when an artist would have hiked to distant passes, and climbed undeveloped ridges in order to capture the essence of a spectacular view in a sketch book, or on a small canvas.

It is estimated that 400 artists were known to have painted various regions of the White Mountains during that time. More than 100 of these artists were women. They traveled and worked throughout the region from the Saco Valley, to the Conways, to Bartlett, and Jackson, through Crawford and Franconia Notch, to Jefferson, Randolph, and Gorham.

Several artists worked as an "artist in residence", living and working at one of many grande hotels scattered among the mountains. The Profile House, the Crawford House (hmmm....where have I seen that name before?), and the Glen House, were only three of the huge establishments built to accommodate guests visiting the region. The resident artists worked to capture the scenes of the area, selling them to vacationers who wanted to return home with a remembrance of their trip.

Though creative, the White Mountain artists were business men and women, and there's little doubt their primary goal was likely set on making a living. However, through their expert renderings of the time, they also became significant historians, providing bits of visual information for everyone who lived after them. Their amazing work succeeded in capturing images that have become windows to their era.....a way for us to visually look back in time, and to learn. More importantly, they've provided us a way to see how far we've come, and where as humans, we fit into the vast scheme of things.

As I wandered among the paintings produced by these talented painters, so many years ago, framed in enormous and exquisitely carved gold leaf frames, I felt awed by what they had been able to accomplish. Later, as I drove home, through Franconia Notch, and adjacent to the Presidential Range, I felt grateful for their contribution, and I searched again, for those images they had captured so long ago.

The trip made me realize how similar our worlds are, and yet how different the times. The brilliant peeks of the mountains still glowed in the setting sun. The ridge lines remained the same, rising, steadfast in form, bathed in lavendars, golds, and pinks. Yet, we no longer ride by in a Concord Coach, enjoying the time to admire the approach. We wiz past, in sports cars, and SUV's, on paved highways, with little time to catch but a fleeting glance of what was, and still is. It is astounding to consider the historical events, and the changes that have taken place.

Over the past few days, I've been reflecting back on my many trips through the mountains, and my trip to Crawford Notch and Bartlett last spring, and it has occured to me, how important our work as artists really is, even today. No work of art can be considered insignificant, when it is considered the only record of that precise and precious moment in time. As artists, we are all recorders of history, whether we render a work in crayon, or by means of the masters.....whether we create from what's there, or invent our own interpretation......whether we create with words, paint, music, or dance.....whether we are old, or young, or whether we even have what is construed by others to be talent. Our work IS significant. It is a reflection of human sustenance and existence, a factor that defines man-kind. Over many thousands of years, it has been a profession that has contributed explicitly and completely, to where we've been, where we are, and where we will be. The enormity of our task, is dwarfed only by the significance of what we do.

Perhaps, aside from finding a way to support themselves, the White Mountain artists did understand the significance of what they were able to accomplish. But, if not, perhaps we can. Thank goodness, artists like Samuel Lancaster Gerry captured the profile of the Old Man, rising above Profile Lake, in 1886. And thank goodness, his remarkable painting has been preserved and included among the many "Consuming Views" of yester-year, for us to enjoy. He could not have known the Profile would no longer be a part of the NH landscape today. But, then again, only a few years ago, neither did we. Digital images, photographs, and the like, may withstand time, but will they last 150 years? It's hard to say. It's also hard to imagine how many of OUR consuming views will have changed during the next 150 years. I for one, am grateful for the many artists who are still out there, capturing our moments in history....just doing what they do.

If you're interested in going to see this exhibit, it will be on display at the Museum of NH History, through May 6th, 2007. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. The museum is also open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 through October 15, and in the month of December. Admission: $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $3 for children 6-18, with a family maximum of $17. Children under 6 and members of the New Hampshire Historical Society are admitted free.

If you can't get there in person, you might enjoy visiting the online virtual exhibit @ http://www.nhhistory.org/cv/ This site includes all of the paintings displayed in the "Consuming Views" exhibition.

More information about the White Mountain artists can be found at http://www.whitemountainart.com/ This site includes autobiographies of the artists, and several of their paintings. It features a searchable database, which allows you to browse by location, artist, etc.

Look for additional articles featuring some of the White Mountain artists, and information about the subjects of their work, to appear under "Historical Tidbits" in future postings here on ArtRECreation. Here's a little teaser......

Time passes so quickly sometimes, that several months can wiz by without your even realizing how long it's been. I have intended to post several things over the last six months, but I have been so actively involved with other events and activites, time just seems to have gotten away from me. Winter, however, is a good time to catch up on things. It's a time when the world tends to slow just long enough to assess where we've been, where we are at, and what lies ahead.

Where I've Been......

Several things have happened since August. The fall months were filled with several arts related events, including the Littleton Chamber of Commerce Art Show, and the Fall Festival of the Arts "People's Choice" show, in Lisbon. It was a pleasure to have had my work exhibited among so many other talented visual artists at both of these shows. One of my more recent paintings titled "Spring Hearth" was awarded an Honorable Mention, at the Lisbon show.

I completed one additional painting not previously posted here at ArtRECreation. "Grandma's Roses" was also part of the Lisbon show, and features an antique oil lamp etched with the image of a delicate rose. A bouquet of pink roses and yellow carnations lay at the base of the lamp. All are resting on an intricately crotched doily, with a rose pattern.

This painting is currently on display at the Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery, in Littleton, NH.

In October, I received an surprise email from Prudential Verani Realty, in Londerry, NH. As supporters of the arts in NH, the company works in partnership with NH artists, featuring a chosen piece of art work which is published on their associate postcards, and sent to approx. 20,000 households in central and southern NH. I am pleased the company chose to feature one of my paintings "Anticipating Grandma's Pie" during the month of November. The company also displays the various chosen pieces of art on their web page at http://www.verani.com/local.artists.aspx

In October, several of my archival prints were also accepted at the Artisan's Workshop, in New London, NH. The gift shop carries a wide variety of fine gifts and artist's prints, and sponsers several area events throughout the year. In November, I had the privilege of displaying three of my original paintings at the "My Favorite Things" exhibition and sale, sponsered by the Artisan's Workshop, and held at the New London Inn.

The Annual Cultural Arts Exhibition and Competition, sponsered by the NH State Chapter of American Mothers, Inc. was held in Bedford, in November. The event included Art, Literature, and Music entries, and was open to all qualifying NH mothers. The exhibition was held at the Bedford Public Library, and concluded on Nov. 27th, with an artist reception and awards ceremony. I was awed by the beautiful paintings entered into the competition. We certainly do have a lot of talented mother's in NH! I was equally surprised and pleased to have been awarded Third Place for my entry titled "Mommy's Helpers" in the oil painting category.

Last fall I became a member of the Connecticut River Art Group, (CRAG) a cooperative group of artists living and working in northern Coos county and southern Canada. Members of the group have been meeting periodically to discuss their current work, and to network on possible marketing strategies and show venues. There is more information about the group, and its current and/or future events below.

Aside from the painting events, I was also busy with another artistic endeavor, from September until the end of November. The Pittsburg Players, performed their high school musical "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers". I was invited to help with the musical as one of the music directors, and must say, it was truly a fun and rewarding experience. Through the many scheduled rehearsals these talented students worked at perfecting their performance, while I received several more memories to add to my long forgotten moments on the stage. Thanks to all involved, the end result was outstanding, and was performed before sell out audiences. It was well worth the time spent away from my painting.

December was filled with orders, preparations for Christmas, and the completion of commissions. January became a much needed breather, and a time for contemplation and preparations for the upcoming exhibition season.

Where I'm At........

Although the past several weeks have been spent away from the easel, I have been busy with art related activities. Most of them are related to the book keeping end of an art business, so I will refrain from boring anyone with those particular details.

As always, art collectors interested in purchasing an original piece, or an archival print, will still find those items available on my web site, at www.brendakenney.com .

CURRENT RETAIL LOCATIONS:

My original paintings, archival prints, and note cards, may also be purchased at these north country retail locations:

Fiddleheads : 110 Main Str., Colebrook, NH 603-237-9302

Directly from the artist....... call (603)-538-9542 or Email bkenney@ncia.netto arrange for pick-up or delivery in the Pittsburg, Colebrook, Canaan, VT areas.

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

The Connecticut River Art Group is currently sponsering "Visual Impressions", a collective exhibition of paintings by six of its members, at the Interpretive Center on Rte 3, in Colebrook, NH. The center is located in the rear of the rest area building, north of the Colebrook village. The exhibition will be in place until the first of May, and new paintings will be displayed on a rotating basis.

You may recall that one of my paintings titled "The Old Waterwheel", had been the subject of my posts in Historical Tidbits last summer, along with "Old Home Crawford", the farm where the water wheel is located in Guild Hall, VT. I have some interesting news to relate about the subject, and hope you'll enjoy reading the posts under that topic over the next few weeks.

My calendar is filling quickly with various exhibitions, shows, and plans for plein air outings. Bartlett, and Lisbon, in May; Canterbury in June; Bethel, Pittsburg, and Maine in July; Pittsburg, Colebrook, and Canterbury in August; Littleton, Lisbon, and Plymouth in September. If all goes together as planned, I will try to post events as they approach, and do hope you'll stop in to say "Hello", if you are in the area.

So please stayed tuned! It's sure to be a fun ride, over the next several months. Art has a unique way of embellishing life's unpredictable rollercoaster of a timeline.

Special thanks, to the many people who have helped me in my artistic endeavors over the past year. And thanks, for reading ArtRECreation!

A week ago Sunday, I finally had the chance to go kayaking at one of the most pristine places in northern NH. East Inlet, a tributary to Second Connecticut Lake, hosts numerous species of wild-life, and is always a wonderful place to take photographs. My trip that Sunday, yielded several pictures which may be used as references for paintings in the future. But, for now, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the scenery and wild-life we encountered.

When you first begin paddling away from the East Inlet dam, you are awed by the view of the landscape before you. The quiet serene waters seem as though you are the only one there.

You soon realize, however, that the waters are alive with wild-life. Our first siting was of a large blue heron fishing along the shoreline.

Around the next bend, we caught a glimpse of a young bald eagle, and quietly made our way toward the tree on the shore, where it had perched.

Below the eagle on the water's edge, a muskrat sat extremely still, waiting for the eagle to fly off. But, by the time I lifted my camera to snap a picture of that little guy, he'd dipped below the surface.

We continued paddling until we rounded the next bend, and there, wading along the water's edge was a cow moose. We watched, for several minutes, as she pawed with her hoof, and then dunked her head below the surface, pulling the grasses from the bottom.

There is always an abundance of geese and ducks to see, no matter which waterway you might be exploring.

This pair of geese were cautiously watching over their two fuzzy offspring.

This female mallard, paddled off behind a stump, in search of another meal.

Kayaking at East Inlet is always an adventure. Each stroke of the paddle ignites your curiosity about what lies ahead. And each turn in the stream, leaves you hoping for something more. It's serenity, and peacefulness at it's best. With loads of excitement thrown in for fun! It's a chance to relax a bit, to enjoy the moment, listen, and watch.......a chance to experience nature's living masterpiece.

I can't wait to go back, and to spend some time paddling around the other beautiful lakes and streams in Pittsburg. For this particular kayaker, (and artist), I don't believe summertime gets much better than this.

History of "The Old Waterwheel" and "Old Home Crawford"Topic: Historical Tidbits
I recently received an email from a good friend of mine, John Amey, who offered some interesting historical tidbits about the little mill which had become the subject of my most recent painting, "The Old Waterwheel". John recognized the mill, and wrote to tell me about "Old Home Crawford", a working farm in Guildhall, VT, once owned by Frederick C. Crawford. I found his email letter quite intriguing, and thought perhaps others would too. So, with his permission, I'd like to share some of it with you.

Hi Brenda;I love your painting of the water wheel at what was for many years the working vacation home for fairly famous entrepreneur, Frederick Crawford. While I do not remember when the mill was built or ever have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Crawford, I do remember my father telling me that he established a working farm, a much improved version than what he spent his childhood at and it became a second home from his industrial career in Cleveland, Ohio. As one drives up that road, {in Guildhall, but known as the Granby Road], one can still see much of what was a massive and previously well kept estate. To the right and on a hill before the main farm buildings, was a large meeting hall with a huge stone fireplace and that was sometimes where the Board of Directors met of his company, TRW. They built hydraulic motors and Mr. Crawford had a significant roll in the development garage doors that roll up and flex in so doing. Not to be confused with electric openers but simply the flexible doors.To his credit, Mr. Crawford thought farming was an important enterprise and he made sure that his resident managers and workers had the homes and facilities they needed to carry on the dairy operation and the maple business and care for the long spans of wooden fences and many acres of land. Unfortunately, Mr Crawford got old and the dairy economy began to fail..... I believe he died at age 100. There was an auction a few years ago....and the barns and workshops and garages were emptied of tools, including antiques. It was a sad demise to what had for many years been a showplace. The land was somewhat subdivided but luckily into larger parcels.... A major portion of the 1500 acres is permanently protected by the Vermont Land Trust. A couple of local farmers bought the tillable acreage and grow corn and hay there.So my friend, this is some of the rest of the story behind the 'Waterwheel'. From what I have learned of Mr. Crawford's life, he would be proud to have a painting done. It is a famous landmark and any gift shop in New England would likely have a postcard of it but no one has an original painting better than yours."

Being a person who loves investigating a mystery of history, I decided I would do a little additional research, and I found some interesting facts about Fred C. Crawford and his family, mostly to do with his work in the aeronomics and automotive industries. Pictures and information about his industrial life in Cleveland, Ohio, can be found here...The Story of Frederick C. Crawford I think you'll find he was indeed a remarkable man.

His father, Fred E. Crawford, was a lawyer, and his mother, Mattie Coolidge Crawford, was an artist!

Of course, THAT particular fact sent me excitedly searching on a whole new quest for any record of her work. I wasn't able to find a lot about her art career online, but I did find some items of interest, and plan to post some of the information in ArtRECreation, under the heading of "Historical Tidbits". This will probably be a continuing project, with information posted as I'm able to do further research. From what I have already read about Mrs. Crawford, she was, in her own right, quite remarkable.

The most exciting news about my quest so far, is that I have come across two books written by Fred E. Crawford. The first, titled "The Life and Times of Oramel Crawford", a Vermont Farmer, 1809-1888, is written about his father, and was privately printed in 1952. The second, titled "Your Grandmother: A Memoir of Mattie Coolidge Crawford", is about his wife, the artist, and was privately printed in 1945. This book was dedicated to his first great-grandchild, David Coolidge Crawford, Jr., and includes pictures of Mattie, her family, and several of her beautifully rendered watercolor paintings. Both of the books are biographical, and tell of the family and their life in Vermont, and in Watertown, MA, etc. I've only just begun to skim through them, but am quite anxious to read more, and I hope, as I post what information I find, you'll enjoy reading some the "Historical Tidbits" about the Crawford family, as much as I have.

I thank my friend, John, for sharing his recollections of the farm and the mill. And invite others to contribute their knowledge to this interesting piece of our north country history. If anyone knows more about the mill or when it was constructed, I would love to hear from you.

The Old WaterwheelTopic: The Artist's Studio
Last fall, when a friend of mine and I decided to take a drive through northern VT, we came across a small mill, with a waterwheel. It was located west of Guildhall, on a little, winding dirt road, and was nestled among the foliage, and drying reeds. I quickly captured the image with my camera for an anticipated painting, thinking it would be a perfect subject.

My latest oil on canvas, "The Old Waterwheel", is the result of my trip down that little dirt road.

I have no idea if the little mill is still used these days, or in what capacity. But, I certainly enjoyed painting it! It's amazing what treasures you can find when traveling off the beaten path. It proves that sometimes, exploring boundaries, and taking chances just might lead to whole new discoveries. And whether they're big or small, they're definately worth finding.

This Week In the Artist's StudioTopic: The Artist's StudioA Weekend In Bartlett, NH.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of being one of several artists to gather for an artist's plein air excursion in Bartlett, NH. Being my first time out to paint "en plein air", it was a weekend filled with fun, learning, frustration, and RAIN! But, despite the wet weather, all who attended seemed to enjoy the chance to visit this beautiful area of the state, break out the paint and cameras, and build some new friendships.

Byron Carr, from Contoocook, NH, offered us two very intriguing demonstrations in oil and watercolor. Byron is fun to watch, and has a terrific sense of humor. He can send the paint a-flying, and create a lovely plein air painting in less than an hour! His work is exhibited at the Covered Bridge Gallery in Contoocook, NH. For more information about Byron and his work, please visit his web page at the Covered Bridge Gallery web site.

Several members from NHPleinAir were also out braving the weather, and created some beautiful paintings of locations in Crawford Notch, Jackson, Pinkham Notch, North Conway, Conway, and Bartlett. Sharon Allen, of Derry, NH, was kind enough to direct me to a covered bridge in Conway, where I was able to stay dry while attempting my first plein air. And now, through her kind invitation, I am now a member of the group. There's no turning back now...I will just need to get out there and paint! Thank you, Sharon! And thank you, to the other artists who offered their advice, experiences, and wisdom.

Also, one last thank you, to our hosts at The Bartlett Inn, Miriam, Nick and Sammy. It was indeed a pleasure. Thank you, for making me feel right at home.

I hope to be out there painting en plein air a lot more, now that I have the bug. Plus, my future work in the studio will most likely include several images from the Bartlett area. Can't wait to get out there.....as soon as it stops raining! :)

The View From Diamond RidgeAfter several weeks, I've finally completed the painting mentioned several posts back, which I've decided to call "View From Diamond Ridge I", Second Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg, NH. If you've visited Diamond Ridge, you know there are just too many beautiful views to limit the possibility of only one painting. I expect, over time, there may be others with the title extension of II, III, and maybe even IV, or V. If I really get adventuresome, one of them may even be painted "En Plein Air"!

Again, if you ever have a chance to experience the top of Diamond Ridge, you'll be glad you made the trip. No matter which season you're there!

"View From Diamond Ridge I" is one of two paintings I currently have on display at the office of Dr. Dennis Hannon, 262 Cottage Str., Mount Eustis Commons, in Littleton, NH. It may be purchased through the Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery

I'll also be exhibiting three paintings at the Lilac Time People's Art Show, in Lisbon, this coming Saturday, on May 27th. (See information about the show under "Local Events".) Please stop by if you're in the area.

A Rock To RememberTopic: Noteable Artists
This past week, I happened to receive a circulating email written about a noteable young artist in Iowa, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen, II. After seeing the attached pictures, I felt his latest artistic endeavor deserves mention.

There are several images surrounding the rock, accompanied by quotes by John F. Kennedy, Thomas Jefferson, and George W. Bush. The flag, although it appears to be drapped over the rock, is actually painted.

I think you will agree; his patriotic creation is definately a rock worth mentioning.If you're out there in email land Bubba, congratulations on a job well done!

Pictures courtesy of the Sorensen Family. Thank you, for sharing them with us!

Anticipating the growing season....and Zinnias!Topic: The Artist's Studio
Pittsburg is a tough place to grow anything, especially flowers and vegetables. Temperatures are cold, the growing season is short, and the soil conditions for productive growth are quite harsh. We're talking very little loam...and rocks....lots and lots of rocks!

So, it's not surprising I have very few varieties of flowers growing in my yard. I've had to choose only the tough varieties....rugged flowers that can deal with the north country reality, and still withstand a severe deprivation of water, and a significant lack of attention. The only flowers known to have survived on my porch, have been petunias, pansies, marigolds, and zinnias. You know, the die-hard survivors that can simply grow on their own.

Of the four, Zinnias are definitely my favorite. I love Zinnias. Despite everything, they still bloom beautifully....big bold blossoms of assorted color, all summer long....even when I forget to water them. They make wonderful subjects for paintings, too!

"Red Zinnia", 9 X 12 Oil on Canvas

My most recent painting, "Red Zinnia", is a tribute to one of last year's survivors; a bright red zinnia, blooming brilliantly among the pink. Talk about a reality show! Any flower that blooms under such conditions, deserves, at the least, to be painted!

The time has arrived to dig out the planters, and sow some new seeds. Tiny seedlings should be popping soon, and by mid-July, my porch should be full of color again. I'm looking forward to the new growing season, with new zinnias; new survivors; new subjects that deserve to be painted.

Til' next time,Happy Creating!

If you're interested in seeing this painting in person, it is currently being displayed at the Ammonoosuc Artists Gallery, 111 Saranac Str., Littleton, NH.

Signs of SpringTopic: Life in Pittsburg
The official first day of spring was marked on our calendars well over a month ago, on March 20, 2006. Since then, we've had some wonderfully warm days, some cold rainy days, and some blustery snow days, just to keep us guessing. But, that's what makes spring in northern NH so intriguingly interesting. It's certainly never boring! The good news is, despite the roller coaster weather conditions, there are definite signs to show we are slowly wading through mud season, and will eventually arrive in the season of summer.With the sun shining, and the sky blue, I decided to go for a walk this morning, taking along my camera....just in case. Sure enough it didn't take long to find the signs I was looking for. Brilliant, tiny red maple buds, bursting against the sky, with the determination of growing into green. Only a short distance further, I found a small group of trillium growing at the foot of a spruce, the small buds, young and green, sure to bloom into crimson red.

It's amazing what a simple walk can do for one's spirit, especially when it's still cold outside! I've no doubt, the roller coaster ride we're on will eventually end in summer. In the meantime, taking the time to notice some of nature's little blooming things, sure helps decipher the hope from the mud. What a great way to start the day!